Does that mean the Jaguars made a mistake? Not if Bradley has the kind of impact in Jacksonville he had with the Seattle Seahawks, for whom he was defensive coordinator the past four seasons. The Seahawks had one of the NFL's most imposing defenses, giving up an NFL-low 15.3 points per game. They also had the flexibility to show 3-4 and 4-3 looks.

That versatility intrigued the Jaguars, but there are more impressive things to note about Bradley.

— When Pete Carroll became Seahawks coach in 2010, he could have fired Bradley and brought in his own coordinator. Instead, Carroll kept Bradley, and never regretted that decision.

— Bradley got the Jaguars job even though new general manager David Caldwell was a college roommate with San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Many thought Roman, who is well respected, had the inside track with the Jaguars because of his friendship with Caldwell. However, Bradley impressed Caldwell enough to win him over.

— The Eagles were also high on Bradley and reportedly were prepared to offer him their job had they not been able to sway Kelly.

Bradley impressed people, both with his work and during interviews. Now he gets his first chance as a head coach, but there is plenty of work. The Jaguars were 2-14 last season, which cost Mike Mularkey his job after one season.

Bradley figures to be around longer. Nobody in Jacksonville expects a quick fix. He should have time to implement his philosophy, while Caldwell builds through the draft.

Finding a franchise quarterback could be the biggest obstacle facing Bradley. Neither Blaine Gabbert nor Chad Henne is the answer. There is no quarterback in April's 2013 NFL Draft that seems a sure-fire franchise guy.

The Jaguars might have to lean on their defense to win games the next few years if they don't get consistent quarterback play.

That's another reason the Bradley hire makes sense. If the Jaguars' defense is solid, and Maurice Jones-Drew returns to being one of the NFL's most productive backs, that's a foundation for improvement until Caldwell acquires talent.

Jacksonville will hope Bradley mirrors the career path of another former defensive coordinator, Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons. Before Smith's successful run as head coach, he was the Jaguars' defensive coordinator under Jack Del Rio. Smith didn't move the buzz meter when he was hired in Atlanta, but he built success to last with the Falcons.

Nobody really knows what kind of coach Bradley will be, but he earned his chance at age 46. Score one for a defensive coach. Now if only Bradley can get the Jaguars to score.